Germany’s Minister for Economic Affairs, Ludwig Erhard, opens the first German Toy Fair in Nuremberg (in and around Wieseler Haus). From 12 to 18 March 1950, 351 companies exhibit to an audience of 4,300 buyers. Following a successful debut, the exhibition committee and 46 firms establish a cooperative. The members of the management board: Ernst Theodor Horn and Fritz Drescher. Max Scheerer is appointed Chairman of the Supervisory Board.

1951

The rocking horse replaces Nuremberg’s city tower as an emblem. Adapted over the years, it is still the Spielwarenmesse logo to this day.

1957

The number of buyers at the fair totals 11,500, smashing the 10,000 barrier.

1958

The name is changed from German Toy Fair to International Toy Fair Nürnberg. 60 foreign companies are immediately recruited, bringing the overall total to 830 exhibitors. The number of foreign companies doubles the following year and subsequently continues to grow. A third of the 12,000 visitors wend their way to Germany from abroad.

The organisers support the toy fair exhibitors with the first-ever Press Innovation Show. The media event becomes a regular feature in the years that follow – and later becomes known as the “PressPreview”.

1966

After expanding into the newly erected exhibition halls and lightweight halls, and following the construction of the Europa building, all available capacities are completely exhausted in and around the exhibition site near the city park.

The International Toy Fair moves into the newly built exhibition centre in Nuremberg-Langwasser. The exhibition area climbs to 52,000m², offering enough space to organise the companies in product groups for the first time.

1974

Dr. Benno Korbmacher – Managing Director of the German Toy Industry Association (DVSI) assumes the role of Managing Director of Spielwarenmesse eG. Fritz Drescher leaves his position as Director but stays on as a consultant to Spielwarenmesse eG until 1976.

1977

Visitor levels cross the 30,000 threshold for the first time. 1,567 toy manufacturers show their wares at the fair, turning Nuremberg into the "Mecca" of the toy industry.

The Spielwarenmesse celebrates its 40th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the company has 100 commemorative coins minted in silver. The fair is opened by Bavaria’s Minister-President Max Streibl.

1991

The Spielwarenmesse becomes increasingly international, and the number of exhibitors exceeds the 2,000 mark: 938 of the 2,078 companies are from abroad. Of the 51,140 visitors, 15,737 come to the fair from outside Germany.

1996

Dr. Benno Korbmacher withdraws from the management of Spielwarenmesse eG. Gerd Bise is appointed Chairman of the Management Board, taking over the helm of Spielwarenmesse eG.

1997

The event name is changed to Spielwarenmesse International Toy Fair Nürnberg.

1998

An innovative permanent stand concept in Hall 12.2 adds a totally new quality of stand design. Around 30 international companies, including world-renowned brand leaders, rent the stand space all year round. Peter Walter succeeds Dieter Hahne as Chairman of the Supervisory Board.

1999

The Spielwarenmesse International Toy Fair Nürnberg celebrates its 50th anniversary. To mark the occasion, it publishes the book “50 Years of the International Toy Fair Nürnberg. A History of Success.”

2002

Gerd Bise withdraws from the management of the toy fair. In December, Ernst Kick is appointed spokesman to the Management Board of Spielwarenmesse eG and in June of the following year, he assumes his new role as CEO. Under his leadership, the company continues to professionalise the organisation whilst developing the fair's leading and guiding role. Volker Sieper succeeds Peter Walter as Chairman of the Supervisory Board.

2003

The Spielwarenmesse creates added value for visitors by establishing a tradeorientated presentation of special themes in dedicated activity areas.

2004

The innovation offensive is launched with the introduction of the InnovationCenter showcasing new products, and the presentation of the ToyAwards, the Spielwarenmesse awards for the most innovative ideas.

The Spielwarenmesse celebrates its 70th anniversary. The product groups are restructured to reflect changes in the market.

Spielwarenmesse®

Spielwarenmesse, the leading international fair for toys, hobbies and leisure, is organized by the fair and marketing services provider Spielwarenmesse eG. The trade fair creates a comprehensivecommunication and ordering platform for around 2,900 national and internationalmanufacturers. The presentation of new products and the extensive industry overview provide avaluable pool of information for annual market orientation for 71,000 buyers and toy tradersfrom over 125 nations. Spielwarenmesse® has also been a protected word mark in Germanysince 2013. Fair date: Spielwarenmesse®, Wednesday to Sunday, 30 Jan – 3 Feb 2019